Suspect in family killings dead of self-inflicted cuts

EAGLEVILLE, Pa (Reuters) – An Iraq War veteran sought in the killing of six family members in Pennsylvania was found dead on Tuesday of “self-inflicted cutting wounds” following a two-day manhunt, authorities said.

Suspect Bradley William Stone, 35, of Pennsburg was being sought in the deaths on Monday of his ex-wife, her mother, grandmother, sister and two other family members, including his 14-year-old niece. His 17-year-old nephew was seriously wounded.

Stone’s body was found on Tuesday afternoon in a wooded area in New Hanover Township, about a half mile (0.8 km) from his home in Pennsburg, about 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Philadelphia, County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman told a news conference.

An autopsy would determine the official cause of death and how long Stone had been dead, she said.

“Based upon what we found at the scene, we believe that he died of self-inflicted cutting wounds in the center part of his body,” she said.

Investigators stand in a wooded area near where the body of Bradley William Stone was discovered in Pennsburg, Pa – AP

Citing sources, WPVI-TV reported Stone killed himself with a sword and that a sword had been used in the slayings.

Stone’s nephew suffered significant cuts to his hands and head and was hospitalised in stable condition.

“It certainly appears to us they were defensive in nature and that he was fighting off his attacker,” Ferman said.

Stone and his ex-wife, Nicole, 33, filed for divorce in 2009 and had an ongoing custody battle over their daughters, aged 8 and 5, Ferman said.